Small Craft Operator XF-5786-08 (22103)

Position Title: Small Craft Operator

Series/Grade: XF-5786-08

Open Period: July 31–August 17, 2026

Duty Location(s): Palatka, Florida

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs the treatment of aquatic plants including water hyacinth, water lettuce, hydrilla, and other invasive or nuisance aquatic plants growing in inland waterways.
• Operate an airboat on open water, restricted canals, streams, and backwater sloughs.
• Safely operate a medium-size pickup truck and trailered airboat through a variety of situations, including backing to load and unload equipment.
• Set up, mix, and safely operate herbicide application equipment in accordance with federal and state regulations and product label requirements.

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. Veterans' preference does not apply to this announcement.

WHO MAY APPLY: US Citizens.

Other Requirements, Conditions of Employment and information:

• How to Apply: Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration. Click the apply button, follow the prompts (fill out the required collect form, attach a resume following the resume format guidance).
• All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• A trial or probationary period may be required.
• Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
• Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
• If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation).
• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Incumbent must be able to lift over 50 lbs.
• Must possess and be able to maintain a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
• A pre-appointment Physical exam is required, and the incumbent will be subject to scheduled medical surveillance.
• Must wear protective clothing or equipment, as the situation requires such as coveralls, rubber boots, gloves, steel-toed shoes, goggles, earmuffs, life jacket or other PFD, etc.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position under the U. S. Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Civilian Drug Testing Program.
• Must possess a Boater Safety License or equivalent and be able to obtain district operator’s license for operation of vessels of less than 26 ft.
  
• Must possess or be able to obtain Florida Aquatic Herbicide Applicator License
• Must be able to obtain district Airboat license
  
• Business travel and overnight travel for regular duties may be as much as 75%

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/